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THE RELIEF OF KIMBERLEY
THE RELIEF OF KIMBERLEY OSBORNE, Feb. 17 Daring yesterday the Queen received with great satisfaction the news of General French's brilliant advance to and relief of Ifcimberley. () The Queen has approved of the promotion of bolonel (and Local Lieutenant-General) French to be Major General and of Lieutenant Colonel Keke- wich to be Colonel, for services in connection with the defence and relief of Kimberley. The following Despatch was issued by the War Office on Saturday :— From Lord Roberts to Secretary of State for War. Jacobsdal, 17th Feb., 5-50 a.m. Kelly-Kenny's Brigade captured yesterday j- Seventy-eight waggons laden with stores. two waggons with Mauser rifles. flight boxes full of shells. Ten barrels explosives and large quantity of stores. .1 All belonging to Cronje's laager which was still being shelled by our Artillery when Lord Kitchener despatched the Messenger." WATERVAL DRIFT, Feb. 14. On Monday morning a Flying Column of Cavalry, Horse Artillery, and Mounted Infantry, under the command of General French, forming the advance guard of the Army under Lord Roberts, left Ramdam a,nd pushed forward to Sand Diift, on the Riet River. The Column arrived there early in the day. The Drift was found to be held by a force of about 500 Boers, with two guns. One of these, which was brought into action eomewhat unexpectedly, sent a few shells in the direction of the Staff, but was quickly silenced. One gun was disabled, and several of the enemy were killed. The passage of the Drift was effectually secured, the Boers falling back towards Bloemfontein, leav- ing three of their number prisoners in our hands. The Artillery did really magnificent work, and too much credit cannot be given to General French for his skilful dispositions. In the course of the same afternoon, the Sixth and Seventh Divisions marched up from Ramdam, and bivouacked on the north bank of the river. On Tuesday General French continued his march to Klip Drift, on the Modder River. The rapidity of his movements took the enemy completely by sur- prise. Their camp was seized without opposition, and an immense quantity of stores, provisions, tents, and sheep were captured. Not the least-valued trophy was a Free State flag. Yesterday evening, General French's pickets were three miles north of the Modder River. During the march from Sand Drift, a number of Boers appeared on our left and attempted to draw off the Column in the direction of Jacobsdal. The General, however, was not to be turned aaide, but aimed direct for Klip Drift. Some of the Inniskilling Dragoons, who were posted on the right, were the victims of a charac- teristic piece of Boer treachery and cunning. Passing a farm, and seeing the tempting fruit on the trees, they asked a woman, who was staring at the soldiers, whether she would sell some to them. She answered yes, but no sooner had the men entered the garden than they were fired at from an ambuscade, and three of them were wounded. The farm was at once shelled, without halting the rest of the Column. The whole of Lord Roberts's force is now across the Riet River. JACOBSDAL, Feb 15. Major General Wavell, with the Fifteenth Brigade, delivered an attack on Jacobsdal to-day from the east. A. hundred men of the City of London Imperial Volunteers were thrown out as advance scouts, and skirmished in front of the Infantry in splendid style. They were among the first to enter the town. The 2nd Battalion Cheshire Regiment was posted on the left, and the 2nd Battalion North Stafford- shire Regiment on the right. The 2nd Battalion South Wales Borderers acted in support, and the 1st Battalion East Lancashire Regiment remained behind to protect the baggage. The Boers, who were 500 strong, were without Artillery, but kept up a hot rifle fire. When driven out they retired over an expose.) ridge at the back of the town, and wero freely shelled by the 75th Battery. By four o'clock the town had been ocvupied, and the ridge behind it captured. A, few prisoners were taken, including the Landrost, but the civilian inhabitants were undisturbed, and there was an entire absence of looting. The men, who entered the town with fixed bayonets, in readiness for any eventuality, behaved splendidly in every way. The casualties among them were inconsiderable. Twenty Boers suffering from typhoid were found in the German Ambulance, as well as a number of their wounded, and some of our own men, including Colonel Henry. Major Haslett, who was taken prisoner yesterday, was enabled to rejoin his command. The country on the right bank of the Riet River is now open as far as the Modder. Feb 16. The turning movement which Lord Roberts has executed with such rapidity and success seems to have demoralised the enemy completely. Commandant Cronje has abandoned the elabor- ately-fortified position at Magersfontein and is in full retreat on Bloemfontein. His rearguard is now being attacked by Major-General Kelly-Kenny, with a Brigade of the Sixth Division. Meanwhile, General French is pursuing parties of the enemy, who are retiring north of Kimberley. They have cleared out of all their laagers, and left behind them quantities of stores and equipment- in short, ever) thing that was likely to impede their hurried flight. The Free State flag here has been hauled down. In yesterday's fighting, the shells of the 75th Bat- tery did considerable execution amongst the enemy as they were retreating across the ridge. An attack was made yesterday upon the rear- guard of the main body by a force of 1,400 Boers, who had been hurried up from Colesberg. They succeeded in capturing some of our waggons, but Lord Roberts did not delay his march in order to retake them. There were a few casualties on our side. The last of the supply columns arrived from Honeynest Kloof to-day. It met with no opposition on the route. JACOBSDAL, Feb. 16. I General Cronje, with 10,000 men, is in full retreat towards Bloemfontein, pursued by General Kelly- Kenny. Owing to the fatigue of his oxen, Cronje was obliged to outspan and form a laager with his un- captured waggons. i At a quarter to seven this evening our artillery was vigorously shelling Cronje's laager. Feb. 17. General Kelly-Kenny has now captured over 100 waggons. He has been reinforced by the Highland Brigade. The Guards Brigade is encamped on the enemy's former position at Magersfontein. General French has left Kimberley to co-operate in the pursuit. News has just been received that General Kelly- Kenny is still pursuing General Cronje's army. The prisoners stated that if the pursuit is Continued, the whole force will probably surrender. According to Dutch reports received here, General French twice charged home through the retreating Boers to the north-west of Kimberley. LATER. Further details of the Boer retreat show that the enemy are fighting a good rear-guard action. They are occupying successive kopjes in order to allow the moving of the convoy, which, however, is forced to go at a slow pace, as, apparently, the animals are dead beat. The last reports show that the Boers are in the neighbourhood of Klipkraal's Drift, and that they are undoubtedly disheartened. General French's magnificent march is still the subject of great admiration. Rain, duststorms, lightning and thunder were all experienced, and the feat undoubtedly deserves to rank in history. The naval guns attached to General Kelly- Kenny's Division have been splendidly handled, the Bluejackets improvising temporary repairs to the wheels and carriages. The shelling of the Boers is proceeding vigorously. Owing to the nature of the action they are bound to show in the open whenever they are obliged to leave the kopjes. MODDER RIVER, Feb. 18. The Cavalry Division heard the first welcoming cheer some miles south of Kimberley. It came from British troops esconced in an outlaying Boer redoubt which our men had captured not long previous. The sound increased as French pushed on in the dark- ness, relieved at intervals by the brightness of the big searchlights at De Beers. At last the Division was in Kimberley, with the townspeople and soldiers crowding round the troop- ers, cheering and shouting and weeping for joy. The entire town had met French in the outskirts, and joined in the triumphal procession through the roads and streets. Three miles west of this camp the Boers left a large number of sick and wounded men in a laager of which we have taken possession. It was formed of 150 waggons, and was crammed with stores of all kinds including many luxuries. Our spoils included all these waggons and stores and great quantities of arms and ammui- tion and personal effects. The Boer doctors, who were found tending the sick and wounded, state that the laager was formed some time ago for the purpose of supplying the eastern part of the Magers- fontein defences, the laager at Langerberg acting in a similar capacity for the western.entrenchments. Some large cases marked biscuits, and of which there was a regular stack, were found to contain rifle ammunition. The marks on the cases showed that they had all been consigned from Europe to Pretoria via Delagoa Bay. Lord Kitchener is with che Sixth Division, which is closely pursuing Cronje and the main Boer force eastward. General Kelly-Kenny's Division and the recently-formed Ninth Division, which includes the Highland Brigade, and which has been placad under the command of General Colville, are co-operating from this side. LATER, Leaving Klip Drift safe in the hands of the Thirteenth Brigade, General French on Thursday pushed rapidly northwards, and came into renewed contact with the enemy after six miles bad been covered. The 16th Lancers were sent out to the left with orders to locate, if possible, the big gun used by the enemy in the fighting at Klip Drift. The Boers opened fire from a hill to the right, but our Artillery speedily came into action, and shelled them into silence. A body of the enemy who tried to make their escape on the left were charged through and through by the 16th Lancers, who cut up a number of men and horses. The whole affair lasted only about an hour. Leaving the rest of the Boers where they were, General French pushed on to Kimberley, where he arrived, by way of the Picmier Mine, without encountering further opposition. lie left a portion of his force outside the town, along the road, and, accompanied by his Stcff and scouts, rode to the Kimberley Club. The reception accorded to him by the people was wildly enthusiastic, They had known of his ad\a"ce only the same afternoon, but yet had an address of welcome ready to present to him. On the following morning General French des. patched a force against the advance post of the enemy at Dronfield, with the object of capturing the 100-pounder gun mounted by bhem at Kamfers- dam. It was found, however, that the gun had already been removed by rail, probably to Vryburg. Later in the day General French, with the whole of his Division, rode away to the east, in order to co-operate in the pursuit of Commandant Cronje.
POSITION OF THE BESIEGED
POSITION OF THE BESIEGED The relief of the town was most timely. The people had been reduced to eating horseflesh for 60 days, and had been exposed to the fire of guns throwing 1001b shells. But everybody was ani- mated by the highest spirit, and the story of the siege will not soou be forgotten. The force on which Colonel Kekewich had to rely for the defence of the place consisted of 500 of the 1st Battalion Loyal North Lancashire Regiment and 1500 men of the Kimberley Light Horse, Dia- mond Fields Artillery, and Kimberley Rifles, together with 5,000 civilians foiming the Town Guard. These levies were fully armed with Martini R,itles-tbe Colonial Government having omitted to furnish Lee- Metfords—and also had six 7-pounder guns. All the civilians, rich and poor alike, took part manfully in the general defence, sharing the tedium of sentry-go, and joining in the attacks on the enemy. On only one occasion, however, were the Town Guard called upon to serve outside the limits of the town. On the very day of General French's arrival, Major Fraser, with a party of 100 men, and re-took Alexandersfontein. In the various fights and skirmishes, both the Regular and Irreg- ular forces distinguished themselves greatly. The first part of the siege was not so trying to the garrison, but later the Boers brought up the 100-pounder already spoken of. This gun, which has a range of eight miles, they placed at Kamfers- dam, four miles from the town. From this com- manding position they poured in segment and shrapnel shell daily. The former was the more destructive, frequently bursting in the houses, and causing great damage to property. Several women and children were killed and wounded by this ugly bombardment, even among the people who were living in excavations made in the tailings, heaps behind the houses. These burrows afforded security against ordinary artillery, but not against the Boer 100-pounder. Consequently, most of the women and children were, by order of Mr Rhodes, sent down the mines, and distributed along the various levels, as their position was every day becoming more unbearable. For the last two months the principal pieat rations of the defenders have been horseflesh. Captain tyson organised the manufacture of what was called "siege soup," in the concoction of which all the available vegetables were used, and the people were given the option of a soup or meat ration, the latter consisting of a quarter of a pound of horseflesh with ten ounces of bread. It is hardly to be wondered at that numbers of the children died from lack of suitable nourishment. The De Beers Company did all in their power for the non-combatants, and Mr Rhodes personally rendered invaluable help. Indeed, without his encouragement and infectious good spirits, it is doubtful whether the town would have held out so long. He originated many measures for the welfare and greater safety of the inhabitants. A truly remarkable achievement was the manufacture, in the De Beers workshops, of the 28-pounder, christened Long Cecil." The maker was an American named George Labram, who was recently killed by a shell from the Boer big gun, which burst in his room at the Grand Hatel. His gun was riled, firing either shrapnel or common shell, and had a range of five miles. The shells for the use were also made at the work- shops: The only other ordnance available were the half-dozen 7-pounders, and Long Cecil was, therefore, simply invaluable in helping to keep the Boers at a distance.
ADVANCE BY GENERAL BULLER.
ADVANCE BY GENERAL BULLER. The following telegram was issued on Monday by the War Office:- From General Buller to the Secretary of State for War. Chieveley Camp, Feb 19. I yesterday moved round the enemy's flank. The Queen's, who had bivouacked on the northern slope of Cingolo, crossed the nek, and supported by the rest of the 2nd Brigade under General Hildyard, assaulted and took the southern end of Monte Cristo-the 4th Brigade on the left slope, the western. The Royal Welsh Fusiliers, supported by the rest of the 6th Brigade, assaulted the eastern flank of the euemy's position, while the 2nd Brigade of Cavalry on the extreme right watched the eastern slopes of Monte Cristo, and drove back those of the enemy who went there to escape from our artillery fire. Assaulted by a heavy artillery fire on their front and flank, and attacked on their flank and rear, the enemy made but slight resistance, and abandoning their strong position, were driven across the Tugela. I have taken several camps and waggon-load of ammunition, and several of stores and supplies, and a few prisoners. The weather has been intensely hot, and the ground traversed exceedingly difficult. The energy and dash of the troops have been very pleasant to see, and all have done well. The work of the Irregular Cavalry, the Queen's, the Scots Fusiliers, and the Rifle Brigade, was, perhaps, most noticeable, while the excellent practice of the Artillery and the naval guns and the steadiness of the gunners under, at times, a very accurate fire, was remarkable. The accurate fire of the naval gunsfrom Chieveley was of great assistance. Our casualties are not, I think, heavy. CHIEVELEY, Feb 19. The enemy yesterday retreated through the trees, which were so dense as to afford them complete cover. They were pursued by the Irish Fusiliers, who left the cover of the trees and rushed across an open space on the side of the hill. With a cheer they clambered up the last slope, and in about five minutes had gained the enemy's trenches and won the position. The Welsh Fusiliers were sent up in support of the Irishmen, while the Royals supported the Scottish Fusiliers. Although they were surprised by our right flanking movement, the enemy's retreat was effec- tively carried out. They were seen taking a convoy of waggons away and their cannon also had been removed. An inspection of the trenches showed that they had been constructed with a view to repelling an attack from the direct front, and the enemy were consequently unable to concentrate their fire on our men ascending the right slopes of the hill. The trenches extended along the entire crest and down the side of the hill, and shelter was also obtained from the huge cacti which covered the slopes. On the summit there was a large plateau. Here the trenches were arranged in terraces, it ha 7ing apparently been the enemy's intention at one time to stand even after we had gained the crest. The trenches were six ftet in depth and were strewn with straw, as if the Boers had slept in them. J hey were lit'ered with bags of rusks. Some official papers were also found besides thousands of rounds of Mauser ammunition and a box of Nordenfeldt ammunition.
MONTGOMERYSHIRE .IMPERIAL…
MONTGOMERYSHIRE IMPERIAL YEOMANRY. Lieritenant Luxtnoore, of the Montgomeryshire imperial Yeomanry, while out hunting with Sir Watkin Wynn's hoiinds on Saturday was thrown^ y and is now laid up at Wynnstày with broken ribs. Messrs Elder, Dempster, and Co., questioned oil Tuesday, contradicted the announcement that the Montrose would not be ready to sail before March 6; She will be ready to embark the Montgomeryshire and Pembrokeshire companies of the Imperial Yeomanry on February 28, as originally arranged. The Montgomeryshire equipment fund now amounts to £ 2,030. Sir Watkin Wynn has been ordered to raise 25 additional men as casualty re- serves. Eligible men should apply early.
THE QUEEN AND BUGLER DUNN.
THE QUEEN AND BUGLER DUNN. A Cowes Telegram says Bugler Dunn, of the 1st Royal Dublin Fusiliers, the boy who distinguished himself in the firing line at the Tugela River, and was wounded in the arm, on Monday, in obedience to the Queen's command, was conducted to the Palace at Osbdrne by Lieutenant Knox to see Her Majesty. The visit Was to have been made on Sat. urday, but was postponed till Monday. Dunn as he landed at Cowes Pier, was the object of much attention from crowds of people, who cheered hini as he was driven away in a carriage to the Palace. He was wearing a military coat over the khaki uniform-he had on while in action. On arrival at the Palace several ladies invited him to iriscribehis name in their birthday-books, and one, moreimpul. sive than the rest, kissed him. On being conducted to the Queen's apartment lie bore himself coolly but modestly, and humbly saluted and bowed before w the Queen, who smiled upon him graciously and questioned him as to his experiences and sympat. etically inquired after the state of his wound. She was pleased to accept a portrait of the bugler, and presented him with a new copper bugle, with silver mountings, and bearing the following inscription :— "Presented to John Francis Dunn, 1st Battalion Royal Dublin Fusiliers, by Queen Victoria, to replace the bugle lost by him on the field of battle', at Colenso, 15th December, 1899, when h" was wounded." Dunn, who had little expected this, left the apartment highly gratified, and evidently more than ever willing to return to the front. Directly after the interview, which lasted but a few minutes, Lieutenant Knox had the honour of being presented to Her Majesty.
APPRECIATION OF OUR SOLDIERS…
APPRECIATION OF OUR SOLDIERS WORK. The African Review publishes from South Africa, a m essage to the women of England sent by l'ilrs H R S Lewis (born Schreiner). It tells of the sorrow felt in South Africa for the mothers, wives, sisters, loves of the men whose lives are being sacrificed on the South African plains to. day," and says of them :—" They have died for us. They have come, these brave, true sons of Britain, from the homeland and the colonies over the seas to lay down their lives—for what ? To bring life and freedom to the peoples of our land, to break through the dark era of long-continued wrong, and let the light of liberty shine in. You can," she continues, form no idea of the misrule and injustice which have existed in that part of our country known as the Transvaal, nor how the it,. fluence of the eyils there centred have spread throughout the whole of South Africa, and have militated against its highest good, tainting its national life in sentiment and practice nor how, had this war not frustrated the aims of that corrupt Government and of its coadjutors, the growing blight of that influence must sooner or later have spread as a black death-pall over all healthy growth and enlightened progression, not only of the native races of this land, but of all its indwellers, who would not truckle to a system of bribery and corruption, who would not help to uphold an unrighteous Govern- ment in its determination to have absolute liberty to oppress all who refused to pander to its ignorance and vice, its venality and greed. From this evil condition of existing things, this spread of a baneful influence, your own have come to save us, even though they die in saving. We bless God and you for them We bless the mothers who bore them, the wives and daughters, the listers and loves who have surrendered their hearts' treasures up to death for us This is not a war of or for to-day it is a war of the past and of the future. In the far past it has its origin in the never-ending future it will fulfil its glorious mission of blessing; in the terrible present your beloved are sacrificing their lives; but not in vain They are righting wrongs which have pleaded for redress through 200 years- they are sweeping away a system of legal- ized, yet lawless tyranny they bringing in opportunities for individual and national advance- ment which else had never been known to thousands and hundreds of thousands in the future they are fighting for nations yet unborn; they are battling to bring in a wider, fuller life, even for the survivors and descendants of the very people who are contending with them they are making it possible for the white races of the Old World—whose very existence requires the opening up of these new lands to theirskilled occu- patioi)-an(i; the countless, coloured races who have prior rights here to grow up in this wonderful Africa of ours side by side, mutually blessing each other, each helping each to carry forward the development of the resources of this marvellously rich continent.In years to come the memory of every man who lost his life in this struggle to overthrow a tyrannous oppression will come to be reverenced as that of a martyr to the cause of justice and of right."
Advertising
You \yiLL gAVE Both Time and Money by Advertising in the "COUNTY TIMES" for Persons Wanted, Situations Wanted, or Miscel- laneous Artaoles Wanted or for Sale. Printed and Published by Samuel Salter and David Rowlands, at their Offices, 21, Bsrriew Street, Welshpool, in the County of Montgomery, and Rock View, Towyn, in the County of Merioneth. —Thursday, February 22, 19CO.